Australian NBA superstar Ben Simmons is expected to file a formal grievance against his former team Philadelphia after the 76ers held back close to A$27 million of his salary.
Simmons last month was traded to Brooklyn after a lengthy trade standoff with the 76ers.
The three-time NBA All-Star, who is out of action due to back soreness, is yet to play a game this season.
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During his time this season with the 76ers, Simmons didn’t travel or train with the team before he was eventually traded, citing mental health issues as the main contributor for needing time away.
Philadelphia journalist Kyle Neubeck wrote for the PhillyVoice, “league sources anticipating that Simmons and his representation will file a formal grievance against the Sixers at some point in the coming days”.
It was revealed yesterday that Simmons, who since joining the Nets has been present on the sideline with the team on game day, will continue that trend when the Nets face the 76ers in Philadelphia’s home arena, Wells Fargo Center.
It will be the first time Simmons will be on the sidelines and in view of those in attendance at the Wells Fargo Center after he refused to be with his former 76ers teammates on game day during his tenure earlier in the season.
It’s expected the 25-year-old will be met with a hostile reaction from the home crowd, which Neubeck states will help Simmons’ grievance case.
The PhillyVoice reporter said the entire situation would help his bid to prove to a court as to why he couldn’t be with 76ers, especially on game day while in the middle of a trade standoff.
“The suggestion has been floated in league circles that Simmons showing up for Thursday’s game (Friday AEDT) is merely setting the stage for Simmons and Klutch Sports’ argument when the grievance is filed.
“Reports of an increased security presence at Thursday’s game circulated on Tuesday morning, which a cynical observer would say is meant to combat the venom directed at Simmons specifically.
“Put Simmons in the middle of that storm, the argument goes, and it’s believed that will be Exhibit A in the case of why Simmons could not and did not fulfill (sic) his obligations for the Sixers prior to being traded, why he was unprepared to work for this franchise prior to being dealt.”
Simmons is currently in the second year of a five-year contract worth close to $240 million.
The 76ers at the beginning of the season started holding back payments owed to the Australian after he refused to participate in training duties and be with the team on game day.
Back in November, respected NBA insider Shams Charania revealed the 76ers were holding back payments regardless of Simmons’ mental health concerns.
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